Aaron Watson to Headline Olney in America
Country music star Aaron Watson will headline this year’s Olney in America celebration on July 3, Chamber of Commerce Director Kimberly Smith announced last week.
Mr. Watson, renowned for his commitment to small-town communities and energetic live performances, will take the stage thanks to efforts by Chamber officials and local sponsors.
Mr. Watson, known for hits such as “Outta Style” and “Bluebonnets,” agreed to perform at the Olney event after he was approached by Chamber board member Jake Randall, a family friend. In an especially generous gesture, Mr. Watson told organizers, “Don’t worry about me—just pay my band,” significantly reducing the costs of bringing such a high-profile performer to the community, Mrs. Smith said.
Mrs. Smith credited sponsors Brazos Communications and Air Tractor for making the headliner’s appearance financially feasible.
“It really was a cumulative effort,” she said. “Without Air Tractor stepping up and Aaron’s generosity, this wouldn’t have been possible.”
The excitement surrounding Mr. Watson’s upcoming performance is heightened by the local talent selected as the opening act. The Foster Sullivan Band, composed entirely of Olney High School students—Foster Sullivan, James Garcia, Tristan Gibson, Abram Dinwiddie, and Blaize DeVries— will take the stage ahead of Mr. Watson.
“I thought it would be great for local kids to have the experience of opening for someone like Aaron Watson,” Mrs. Smith said. “It’ll be a memory they carry with them forever.”
The gates at the Olney Country Club will open at 5:30 p.m., and the Foster Sullivan Band will perform first, followed by Watson, leading up to the fireworks display scheduled for approximately 9:30 p.m.
This year’s event promises to be bigger than ever. Mrs. Smith has confirmed ten food trucks, each offering a different style of cuisine. Vendors include Smack and Mac from Fort Worth serving gourmet macaroni and cheese dishes, Ragin’ Cajun, Ken’s Chicken and Fish, Funnel Vision, Tom’s Kettle Corn, Tiny Temptations baked goods, pizza and gelato, and Korean-infused street food, among others.
“We wanted something different for everyone, and I think we’ve got an incredible lineup of food options this year,” she said The event will include VIP tents available for sponsorship and reserved seating, shuttle transportation, adult beverages provided by Olney Country Club, and ample free parking. Organizers expect attendance to exceed last year’s 1,400 participants, projecting up to 1,800 guests this year, driven largely by Mr. Watson’s popularity.
“We’re adding extra porta-potties, generators, and lighting to accommodate the crowd,” Mrs. Smith added, noting that National Honor Society students from Olney High School will serve as stagehands, further highlighting community involvement.
Local businesses and community members interested in sponsoring tents, lighting, sound, or other event components can contact Kimberly Smith at (940) 564-5445.
“This event is our biggest of the year and really showcases what Olney is all about,” Mrs. Smith said. “We invite everyone to come out, bring your family, and enjoy a great night of music, food, and community spirit.”
The celebration continues the next morning with the annual Fourth of July parade through downtown Olney. The event remains free and open to the public.